This year's APD cadet class will be the 100th, and they have been raising money over the summer to donate to Cuidando Los Ninos, a local charity that focuses on caring for homeless children.

The class presented $15,000 to the charity Friday, after a summer that included selling ad space on T-shirts worn by the cadets and volunteering as servers at Garcia's Kitchen restaurants around the city, gathering their tips as donations. 

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Two weeks ago Albuquerque police officer Michael Benavidez lost his foot after he was struck by a car while riding his motorcycle off-duty in Ventana Ranch. Read West Side Police Reporter Jeff Proctor's story here. Benavidez has been off the the job since the collision.

But it sounds like he may return. Police officials say that Benavidez is determined to remain a cop despite losing his foot. He plans to learn how to use a prosthetic limb so he can continue to serve Albuquerque.

Benavidez has turned down requests for media interviews, police spokesman John Walsh tells us. But, we feel he deserves a mention here at Lights and Sirens.

Benavidez is a 35-year-old, six-year APD veteran and father of two. Officers have rallied together and this weekend they will be hosting a fundraiser for him and his family. The fundraiser is on Oct. 19 from 1 to 7 p.m. at the Family Fraternity Moose Lodge, 2121 Edith NE. The event will feature live bands, dinner and dancing. Call Linda Anaya at 768-4365 for tickets.

If you just want to donate to the family, you can do so at any New Mexico Bank  and Trust by making checks payable to the Michael Benavidez & family.  

Please feel free to share any comments for the officer. We will pass them on through APD channels.

 As for the accident investigation, the driver of the car that caused the accident, 22-year-old Gabriel Guzman, has yet to be charged, according to Metropolitan Court records. Police say Guzman made a left turn, failed to yield to Guzman's right of way, and struck him.

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In February some city councilors balked at the Albuquerque Police Department's purchase of a $91,000 Chevrolet Suburban for it's recruiting unit. Read City Hall Reporter Dan McKay's story here. Well it's been here for several months, and as promised it's a hot ride.

It's equipped with two flat-panel televisions, colorful logos and a public-address system. APD has pledged that the vehicle will be used for more than recruiting. It has the capability of being turned into a mobile command center with video feeds to APD's chopper.

 It seems APD has no plans to show off its wheels at a car show anytime soon. APD officials were planning to have a news conference to introduce the vehicle to the public. But after city councilors criticized the purchase, it seems that APD's hot ride has become a quiet one.  The Journal discovered it was here when a reporter saw it driving down Unser.

It has quietly made a few public appearances.

When the Journal asked this week to take a picture of it, an unnamed police official jokingly responded that one of the city councilors had it out for a joy ride.

It's seen pictured here in the parking lot at CNM Community College this week at a job fair.

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Three people were arrested this week after they allegedly used four small children to steal DVDs, cosmetics and other items from the Wal-Mart at 2550 Coors NW.

Jose Cervantes, Sandra Cervantes and Angelica Yanez were all charged with child abuse, conspiracy and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. According to criminal complaints, the three adults brought four children, ages 7, 5, 5, and 2, into the store and used them to open packages, remove the DVDs and stash the packaging in the toy department.

According to the complaint, the suspects stashed the stolen items in purses and in the man's pants, but were caught on tape and stopped by a loss prevention officer. 

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